Skin Problems & Treatments Health Center

Tools & Resources

Cryotherapy for Warts

Guide

Cryotherapy involves freezing a wart using a
very cold substance (usually liquid nitrogen). Cryotherapy is a standard
treatment for
warts and can be done in a doctor's office. The liquid
nitrogen application usually takes less than a minute.

Cryotherapy is painful. A numbing
local anesthetic is usually not needed but may be
used in some cases.

Your doctor applies the liquid nitrogen to the
wart using a probe or a cotton swab. Liquid nitrogen can also be sprayed
directly on the wart.

Most warts require 1 to 4 treatments, with 1 to 3 weeks
between each treatment.

Cryotherapy can also be done at home using an over-the-counter product such as Compound W Freeze Off. These home cryotherapy kits use a mixture of dimethyl ether and propane rather than liquid nitrogen. This mixture is used to soak a foam applicator that is then applied to the wart. This product may be safe for warts on the hands or feet but not for genital warts. Follow all instructions carefully to avoid serious burns and permanent scarring.

What To Expect After Surgery

Pain from cryotherapy can last up to 3
days. Healing is generally quick (7 to 14 days) with little or no
scarring.